Navy Aims to Rebound Against Bucknell in Patriot League Series Finale

CAPE SAINT CLAIRE, Md. (Interstat) — The Navy Midshipmen look to salvage a series split when they host the Bucknell Bison in the finale of their four-game Patriot League set on Sunday afternoon at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures near 61 degrees.

Navy (15-7) saw its four-game winning streak snapped with a 7-3 loss to the Bison on Saturday. The Midshipmen had taken the series opener 8-3 on Friday. Bucknell (8-11) will seek its third win in the series behind a resurgent performance from right-hander Mikey Myro.

Myro was dominant in relief Saturday, throwing five hitless innings with three strikeouts to earn the win after the Bison rallied from an early 3-0 deficit. The senior has been inconsistent this season but has shown flashes of brilliance, including a scoreless outing against North Carolina on March 10.

He will be opposed by Navy’s Brady Bendik, who took the loss Saturday. The left-hander was charged with four runs on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings, striking out nine. Bendik has been a workhorse for the Mids, logging at least five innings in each of his last four starts, but Navy has lost his last three outings despite his 2.70 ERA over that stretch.

Bucknell’s offense was sparked by pinch-hitter Ryan Facinelli, who drove in three runs Saturday. Navy’s Ty DePerno provided a bright spot with a two-run homer.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the matchup projects as a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final of Navy 7, Bucknell 6.

Following Sunday’s game, Navy will host Saint Joseph’s on Tuesday before turning its attention to the annual Star Series against service academy rival Army next weekend in West Point. Bucknell travels to face Mount Saint Mary’s on Tuesday before a midweek game at Penn State.